Fewer people visited ski resorts in Vermont and New Hampshire this past season

Fewer people visited ski resorts in Vermont and New Hampshire this past season. Ski Vermont says the state saw about 4.1 million skier visits, down about half a percent from the previous season. But it’s still higher than the state’s 10-year average and less of a decrease than other Northeast states. Ski New Hampshire reports that there were less than 2.2 million visits, down about four percent from last year. They cited challenging weather conditions. Ski Vermont’s Molly Mahar says it’s an industry that’s crucial for the regional economy. “It’s responsible for about $975 million in direct visitor spending and it is certainly very important for the businesses in the communities surrounding our ski areas that rely on that strong skier turnout for their success,” she said. Ski Vermont’s 26 cross-country ski area members reported a statewide total of 202,485 skier visits, a decrease of 49.6 percent from the previous season.